{"id":1447629,"date":"2019-01-31T17:15:30","date_gmt":"2019-01-31T14:15:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1447629"},"modified":"2019-01-31T17:15:30","modified_gmt":"2019-01-31T14:15:30","slug":"the-10-best-contour-kits-for-effortless-sculpting-per-testers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1447629","title":{"rendered":"The 10 Best Contour Kits for Effortless Sculpting, Per Testers"},"content":{"rendered":"
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We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.\n<\/p>\n

The 10 Best Contour Kits for Effortless Sculpting, Per Testers<\/h1>\n

Highlight your best features.<\/p>\n

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By<\/span><\/p>\n
Kelli Acciardo<\/p>\n
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\"Kelli\"Kelli<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\nKelli Acciardo\n<\/div>\n
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    Kelli Acciardo is a writer covering all things beauty and wellness for Byrdie. She was previously the Beauty & Fashion Deputy Editor at OKMagazine.com and the Senior Web Editor at Seventeen.com where covered trends, product recommendations, skincare advice, and more. You can also find her work in Brides, InStyle, Huda Beauty, Bustle, Brit + Co, PureWow, and POPSUGAR.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

    \nByrdie’s Editorial Guidelines\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
    Updated on September 05, 2025 02:42PM<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
    Leave a Comment<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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    In This Article<\/h2>\n
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    In This Article<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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      Top Picks<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n
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      Reviews<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n
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      What to Look For<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n
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      How We Tested<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n
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      Frequently Asked Questions<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n
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      Meet Our Experts<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n
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      Why Trust Byrdie<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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      TL;DR<\/p>\n

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      Our favorite contour kit is the MAC Cosmetics Contour Palette thanks to its buildable powder formula and natural-looking matte finish. If you’re looking for a simple, budget-friendly option to use on the go, we recommend the NYX Professional Makeup Wonder Stick.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

      People have been contouring their faces since the 16th century, before drag queens took the art form to another level in the \u201980s. It wasn\u2019t even considered mainstream until the Kardashian era (around the 2010s). In any case, the makeup is truly a game-changer. You can sculpt your cheekbones andmake your face appear narroweror shade your upper forehead to draw attention to your eyes. Contour kits can even make your nose look straighter, define your jawline, or create the illusion of a longer neck. The possibilities are endless if you\u2019re equipped with the right products. Luckily, contour kits have everything you need (except maybe a brush and a blender sponge) to achieve a lifted, sculpted look.\n<\/p>\n

      Pro makeup artist Amanda Benko stresses the importance of contour kit formulation. \u201cI like my contour to be pigmented and blendable,\u201d she says. With that in mind, we tested 24 of the best contour kits in our NYC lab, applying the products over foundation, buffing, and building as needed, and taking before-and-after photos. We evaluated each based on skin type compatibility, texture, pigment, and final results. Then we spoke with professional makeup artists to narrow down the top performers to these 10 that will give you a sculpted look.\n<\/p>\n

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      Top Picks<\/h2>\n
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      Best Overall:<\/div>\n

      MAC Cosmetics Contour Palette at Nordstrom<\/span>$42<\/span><\/div>\n

      Jump to Review<\/span><\/div>\n

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      Best Budget:<\/div>\n

      e.l.f. Cosmetics Cream Contour Palette at Amazon<\/span>$10<\/span><\/div>\n

      Jump to Review<\/span><\/div>\n

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      Best for Beginners:<\/div>\n

      KVD Beauty Shade + Light Powder Face Contour Palette at Sephora<\/span>$53<\/span><\/div>\n

      Jump to Review<\/span><\/div>\n

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      Best for Full Glam:<\/div>\n

      Smashbox Contour Face Palette at Amazon<\/span>$46<\/span><\/div>\n

      Jump to Review<\/span><\/div>\n

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      Best Radiant:<\/div>\n

      Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette at Amazon<\/span><\/div>\n

      Jump to Review<\/span><\/div>\n

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      Best Cream:<\/div>\n

      Make Up For Ever Cream Contour and Highlight Palette at Sephora<\/span>$89<\/span><\/div>\n

      Jump to Review<\/span><\/div>\n

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      Best Powder:<\/div>\n

      Anastasia Beverly Hills Powder Contour Kit at Amazon<\/span>$40<\/span><\/div>\n

      Jump to Review<\/span><\/div>\n

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      Best Cream & Powder Duo:<\/div>\n

      Patrick Ta Major Sculpt Creme Contour & Powder Bronzer Duo at Sephora<\/span>$42<\/span><\/div>\n

      Jump to Review<\/span><\/div>\n

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      Best Stick:<\/div>\n

      NYX Professional Makeup Wonder Stick at Amazon<\/span>$14<\/span><\/div>\n

      Jump to Review<\/span><\/div>\n

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      Best Shades:<\/div>\n

      Danessa Myricks Beauty Groundwork: Defining Neutrals Palette at Sephora<\/span><\/div>\n

      Jump to Review<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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      \nBest Overall
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      MAC Cosmetics Contour Palette<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n
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      \"MAC\"MAC<\/div>
      Credit: Nordstrom<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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      $42 at Nordstrom<\/span><\/span>View on Maccosmetics.com<\/span><\/span>View on Onebioshop.com<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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      What We Like<\/span><\/div>\n
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        Mixable, easy-to-blend shades<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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        Smooth texture layers well over other makeup<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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        Sculpted finish appears natural<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n

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        What to Consider<\/span><\/div>\n
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          There could be a better range of colors<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

          Shade Options:<\/strong> 2 | Pans Per Kit:<\/strong> 6 | Cruelty-Free:<\/strong> Yes\n<\/p>\n

          Earning our number one spot, MAC’s Studio Fix powder contour kit checked all the boxes. Each palette comes with six pans, including three darker matte shades for contouring and three slightly shimmery highlighters. Our tester, Vanessa, found it incredibly easy to mix the shades to get the perfect color to complement her skin tone. The texture is super smooth, and a little goes a long way. It blended effortlessly and layered well over liquid and cream makeup.\n<\/p>\n

          The finished results were long-lasting and not cakey whatsoever. Also nice: The color continued to look the same after sitting on her skin for a while\u2014which we can’t say for all contour makeup. The matte finish is great for oily skin, though people with dry complexions may prefer a cream formula. We’d love it if this contour kit had a light-reflecting color to tap onto our cheekbones and nose, but in the end, it’s still an excellent product.<\/p>\n

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